The Site Coordinator is responsible for the implementation of the El Proyecto Odisea, the Spanish-language section of the Odyssey Project, at a given site and works closely with students and faculty.  The Site Coordinator reports to the Director of Teaching and Learning. The Coordinator is a key figure in the success of the Odyssey Project, simultaneously playing the roles of administrator and advocate, and, in some instances, a faculty member. The Site Coordinator’s position through Illinois Humanities is defined as a ¼ time contract employee for $14,000 annually in 12-monthly stipends with annual contract renewal and review. In addition to coordinating responsibilities, if qualified, the Site Coordinator can also teach one of the following classes (Critical Thinking and Writing, U.S. History, Literature, Philosophy, and Art History/Media Studies) for an additional stipend of $4,000.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Service (approximately 65% of the position)

• Organize Student Orientation at the beginning of the academic year (with the help of the Director), which should include all site faculty and the Director.
• Set initial ground rules for course at the orientation and help faculty and students follow ground rules throughout year.
• Organize three faculty meetings throughout the year – one at the start of the first semester, one before the start of the second semester, and one at the end of the year. If necessary, these meetings should include the Director.
• Be responsible for course logistics: Maintain class schedule for the year, collect book orders from faculty (before beginning of each semester to be submitted to Director), collect course evaluations from students (at the end of each semester), collect grades from faculty (at the end of each semester), and administer and collect program evaluations from students (at end of program) – submit all of these things to the Director.
• Attend classes in order to: be responsible for classroom management (classroom logistics, administrative logistics, track attendance, make photocopies if needed or submit request for photocopies to the Director), provide feedback to faculty, and evaluate student’s interaction with the readings and assignments/tracking student progress.
• Be responsible for providing food for each class meeting and for childcare and transportation assistance to students who require it.
• Maintain direct contact with students throughout the year. Follow-up directly with students, via phone or email, regarding missing class and follow-up with students regarding missing assignments and/or issues with class conduct and/or participation. If students are in need of additional social services, help provide referrals or recommendations to local service providers.
• Help coordinate field trips for faculty and students.
• Assist faculty members, if asked.
• Assist with faculty recruitment.

External Partnerships (approximately 5% of the position)

• Work directly with host site (managing all communication and arrangements).
• Arrange Childcare (with assistance from Director, if needed).
• Build relationships with community-area organizations as recruitment sites and as places to refer students seeking social services.

Communication and Outreach (approximately 15% of the position)

• Recruit students (includes identifying regular sites where we advertise courses and organizations that can serve as referral partners).
• Maintain site-specific Facebook page and/or listerv.
• Give outreach presentations to local organizations.

Administration (approximately 10% of the position)

• Read through applications and assemble a class list (based on students who meet age and income requirements and who do not have a degree from an accredited 4-year college/university).
• Set up interviews with qualified applicants and/or set up informational sessions in the event of a large application pool.
• Contact all accepted students by phone.
• Track all student data using excel spreadsheet provided by Director – turn in spreadsheet at the end of fall semester and again at the end of the academic year.
• Have students complete student information sheets and Bard College demographic information sheets at the start of the semester, provided by Director, and return completed forms to the Director by start of week 3. At the end of each semester, follow up with students to make sure we have the most updated contact information. At the end of the year, have all eligible students fill out transcript request forms for University of Illinois at Chicago (provided by the Director) and return to the Director.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 5% of the position)

• Actively participate in required staff meetings and workshops
• Update knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, maintaining networks, participating in professional organizations
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education requirement

• Advanced Degree in the humanities or a related field preferred

Job experience requirements

• Previous college-level teaching experience in the humanities or a related field; some experience working with non-traditional college students preferred.
• Previous experience coordinating programs.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission and values of Illinois Humanities.

Specific skill sets

• Fluent in Spanish
• Excellent written & verbal communications skills and interpersonal skills.
• Basic office computer skills – Microsoft Office software, database (Raisers Edge preferred), and social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
• Ability to think strategically, to build and cultivate relationships, and to lead or supervise others; work with others in other departments/functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Main office in Chicago’s Loop is fully accessible. Work at off-site locations is required and those may not necessarily be fully accessible
• Evening and weekend work are required
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and scanners. Employee is regularly required to communicate effectively via computer and phone.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.
• Smoke- and drug-free environment.

Illinois Humanities is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ qualified individuals based on individual merit. It does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local, or federal laws. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. Illinois Humanities is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.

TO APPLY

You will need to supply a cover letter, CV/resume, and names and contact information for 3 references once clicking the "Apply for this Position" button above.  The position will remain opened until filled.